UCLA was not just 0-4 entering its week six matchup against Penn State Saturday afternoon in Pasadena. But the Bruins had yet to lead in a game all season. UCLA bucked both trends in a wild way Saturday afternoon, never trailing in a 42-37 upset win over No. 7 Penn State.
The Bruins jumped out to a 27-7 halftime lead before Penn State came charging back in the second half. Penn State twice cut UCLA’s lead to seven points in the fourth quarter but the Bruins turned Penn State over on downs in the red zone in the final two minutes to essentially secure the win.
Former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava was fantastic in the win, completing 17-of-24 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns. He did even more damage on the ground, rushing for 128 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries.
The UCLA win and Iamaleava’s strong performance helped Tennessee football. Penn State now has two losses on the 2025 season and still has a road trip to Ohio State and a home game against Indiana on its schedule. With just one more loss, Penn State will be all but eliminated from College Football Playoff consideration.
More From RTI: Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott Dons Joe Milton’s Tennessee Jersey as Bet Payoff
There’s still little chance that Tennessee will make the playoffs with a 9-3 record but the Penn State loss helps make it easier for the Vols to make the playoffs with a 10-2 record, even if Tennessee lacks a top level win.
It was quite the change for UCLA’s offense this week with the Bruins parting ways with offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri and naming Jerry Neuheisal, the son of former UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisal, as their new offensive play caller.
The move proved dividends in a shocking upset win. UCLA was previously 0-4 with losses against Utah, UNLV, New Mexico and Northwestern. The Bruins averaged just 14.3 points per game in those four games with 23 points in the road loss at UNLV being its previous high on the season.
Now through five games this season, Iamaleava has completed 98-of-148 passes for 954 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s been dynamic on the ground, rushing for 332 yards and four touchdowns.
